The recent memorial event honoring Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing influencer killed in September, sparked significant unrest at the University of California, Berkeley. A huge demonstration was organized in advance to take place outside Zellerbach Hall. The convention, hosted by the University’s campus chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), brought in big name speakers and many supporters.
Charlie Kirk, founder of the always-conservative Turning Points USA and dervish of right wing provocateurism, was reportedly canceled by a 22-year-old mass shooter this past fall. His death has rippled throughout American politics, forcing all sides of the political spectrum to respond. Former President Donald Trump is seizing on Kirk’s killing to attack Democrats and lefty organizations. He argues that it points to a deep moral crisis in our society.
California’s first memorial event at UC Berkeley was oversold and packed to overflowing, just the latest sign of a spike in TPUSA membership since Kirk’s death. The event featured major figures like comedian Rob Schneider and author Frank Turek. Eyewitness accounts from the time describe how they made opposition to this infamous legacy their own cause celebre.
“Be a part of the movement built on Charlie Kirk’s legacy,” – TPUSA event announcement.
The memorial was not without controversy. Just outside the conference’s venue, hundreds of protesters congregated to make their voices heard. They shouted slogans like “Fascists out of Berkeley” and displayed signs with messages such as “We won the war, why are there still Nazis?” and “No safe space for fascist scum.” This clash symbolized the growing tensions around free speech and political expression on campus.
The mood quickly shifted to anxious when physical fights ensued between a few of the attendees and anti–fossil fuel protesters. In total, authorities announced at least three arrests, including two individuals arrested in the midst of a violent encounter.
Mayte, who participated in the protests outside the memorial, recounted the surreal scene outside of the structure.
“You can’t tell if it’s fireworks or gunshots. It’s scary.” – Mayte [“theguardian.com”].
UC Berkeley’s long and storied history of hosting controversial speakers and then massive protests dating back to the 1960s. These actions moved the needle and were instrumental to the growth of the campus free speech movement. In 2017, controversial figures such as Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter gave speeches that brought thousands of protesters. Their visits sparked record-breaking backlash.
Since Kirk’s killing, discussions about him and his ideas have only escalated. Four officers have been disciplined—two fired—after openly wishing for his death or publicly proclaiming that they’d like to see someone holding his point of view killed. This increased attention is understandable given the larger national consequences of Kirk’s impact on American political worlds.
The TPUSA chapter at UC Berkeley has nearly doubled their membership since Kirk’s death. Supporters of the organization see his legacy as a rallying point for conservative ideologies on campus and across the country.
The juxtaposition of the memorial event and the protests encapsulates the deep divisions within American society regarding free speech, political expression, and ideological beliefs. As a result, the tensions we’re seeing play out at UC Berkeley are a microcosm of these larger national debates.